Friends in My Yard (Part 2)

Friends in My Yard (Part 2)

A continuation of the series covering my favourite subject: birds. If you missed Part 1, find it here. As promised, here is Part 2! And I won’t give you too many stories. Dig right in…

Hadada ibis

Another noisy one! It gets its name from the loud “ha-daa-daa!” calls. It has glossy feathers on its flanks and a prominent red at the top of its beak. Primarily, Hadada ibis feed on insects found in grass/ soft soil. Apparently they are preferred on golf courses because they eat insect larvae that would otherwise decimate the grass!

Surprised.Strutting for the camera.

Speckled mousebird

Largely known for their ‘mohawk’ hairstyles, these birds are comical in appearance and behaviour. They love hiding in thick foliage and while in the trees, they scurry around like mice. Their tails make up for almost half their body length! Watching them fly from tree to tree is amusing. They usually hang out in clusters according to some hierarchy and also to keep warm in cold weather.

Check out that long tail! (Sorry for the washed out photo).Snack time.Back off! I’m eating!

Montane white-eye

Don’t know much about this bird, but it’s pretty and sweet! For the past 1 year that I’ve taken up serious birding, I have only spotted it twice.

Hiding in (partially) plain sight.I’m waaay up…

African pied wagtail

Rumoured to help lost people find their way home, according to some African beliefs. Apparently, if you are lost, you could ask the bird, “Which way is home?” And the direction to which it points its tail is home! I love how it moves the tail up and down (hence the name wagtail).

Sing like no one’s watching.Who’s up there?

African paradise flycatcher

And now to my favourite birds! First up is the African paradise flycatcher. The first time I saw it, I knew it had to be in my bird photos collection. Such beauty. Such cuteness. This was when I’d just began shooting birds, and capturing this one was quite a challenge. It rarely stays still for more than 2 seconds!

Royal pose.

Unlike most bird species, both male and female have striking colours. Main difference is the tail: males have very long ones to attract females. Insects are their main food. Watching them sallying as they feed is the stuff of satisfaction.

Male flossing his tail.Don’t be shy…Funny guy.

Common bulbul/ Yellow-vented bulbul

I could say this is my favourite neighbourhood bird. The name is sweet to the tongue, and their calls sweet to the ears. At dusk their calls sound like laughter.

Birds of a feather…Got a problem, bro?

They have a variety of calls, all of them interesting. They will grant you a few poses if you put some food out (as they watch you keenly of course). I have found it easier to photograph birds while they are feeding because they are slightly less alert.

Tasty snack!

Cats!

Thought this whole post was about birds? Got you! Cats are so interesting. Just look at the number of memes that have been made about them. You could think you have bonded with a cat and then…it just turns and walks away! No chills whatsoever.

Did you know that cats eat avocados? Neither did I. first I thought the neighbour’s cat was just starving until I saw this black male doing the same and the theory was confirmed.

Yum! I love avocados.

Monkeys

These are not really my friends but I threw this in just because. They are excellent at terrorizing maize plantations and stealing cobs. And they leave quite a mess afterward. The noise they make while scampering on the roofs can wake the dead. Their loud chattering is no fun either. With such a bad reputation, how did they even make it to this post? I find them interesting to watch as they play and eat. And the babies hanging onto their mothers’ bellies -very comical.

Look at that tail- male Sykes monkey.O Lord bless this food before I partake.

Once there came a 3-limbed male. He was missing one arm, and it seemed he was born that way. It was totally not there. No stump or anything. His ‘disability’ meant he could not run around with the rest of the troop. He was walking alone slowly. I got out my camera and to my surprise he was very approachable. I got close. Really close. And not just with the long lens. I asked my brother to get some bread. I held out a piece and the monkey took it. Felt like a National Geographic moment.

My 3-limbed friend looking pitiful.

I hope you have enjoyed this post. Maybe even turned into a bird lover? This neighbourhood is a nature enthusiast haven. I dread the time when I’ll have to move. I hope it won’t be soon…leaving behind these friends in my yard won’t be easy.

Camouflage.

Have a question about birds? Drop it in the comment section below and I’d be delighted to get back to you. Thanks for reading!

This is the best post yet. I don’t wanna add anything just the fact that it is absolutely captivating, the execution from the pictures to the description is very creative and skillfully done. Kudos mrembo.